Tripods

[Debbie]

Thinking of buying my first tripod for use with my Canon 500d DSLR.

How do i choose ??

What would you receommend?

Thanks DMS

[MikeOxon]

Main rule - do not buy cheap!!! Cheaper models have plastic parts, including leg locks, which will break.

Keep the number of leg sections to a minimum, for rigidity. If you are tall, make sure that the extended height is sufficient. If you want to work close to the ground, make sure your chosen model allows this.

Check the load carrying capacity and the weight - remember you will have to carry the thing!

I use a Benbo Trekker but some people hate them - they have a mind of their own but have the advantage of waterproof legs, if you work in shallow water or boggy ground. They are completely flexible and can go down to ground level if required.

For a more conventional design, if you can afford it, go for Gitzo. They are expensive but save in the long run, as you will never want to replace it!

I use a Manfrotto 694CX carbon fibre Monopod. A monopod provides quite a lot of stabilisation, is very flexible for following birds in flight, for example, and much lighter than a tripod. Manfrotto tripods are similar in design and have lever-type leg clamps, which can be rather stiff to work in cold weather. Note that only the better (more expensive) ones in their range have metal clamps.

Don't forget that you will also need a head. For video or for following moving subjects, you need a fluid head. For static subjects, a ball head is adequate but, again, do not buy too cheap! You need one that has a smooth action, locks securely, and keeps working. I use Benbo heads on both my tripod and monopod, with quick release fittings that allow me to slip the camera on and off quickly. The smaller Manfrotto heads are aluminium and the locking screw threads stripped on mine. Quick release is a great time saver - you don't want to be fiddling with screws as the rare critter flies away!

Hope that helps.
Mike

[Gruditch]

Mikes right, if you skimp on a tripod you will get a piece of rubbish, you'll either not use it, or more probably end up spending more dosh on another one. My personal favourite is the Manfrotto 190CXPRO4. Not man enough for a big 500mm lens, but a great little tripod for macro work.


Kind Regards Gruditch

[Rogerdodge]

Gary is, as ever, correct.
I have half a dozen "great value" tripods gathering dust on top of my bookcase.
The Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 is excellent for our purposes. I am contemplating getting another centre column that I can shorten to enable ground level use without having to flick the shaft up and out horizontal (it's no real problem at all - actually pretty quick, but I just fancy a shorter shaft). (OOERRR Matron)

Get a good ball head - the fewer levers and clamp bolts the better.

[Roger Gibbons]

I went through the same process a few years ago and thoroughly endorse the advice given by Mike, Gruditch and Roger.

I initially had a cheap tripod which was useless in that you had to adjust six levers to set the legs, had no quick release and it broke after less than a year. I would only buy a cheap tripod if you only intend to use it for still e.g. roosting subjects.

I decided to buy a Manfrotto Neotec for the reason that the legs are set simply on extending (no levers) and had a range of leg angle settings so you can get into the right position very quickly (with practice). You also need a ball head (or similar) joint for ease and speed of setting position. I use a midi ball head. As Mike says, you will also need a quick release for the camera; the combination I use allows this quite well.

Here is a link to the Neotec page and one for a (rather noisy) demo of the legs.

http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/neotec-pro-p ... fAodHHHwXA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8I_UYBTSb8

These are not cheap but I did not pay anything like the prices stated on the web page.

[Debbie]

Thanks for the posts. I am now glad I did not let the man in the camera shop sell me his £49.99 tripod............